Story by Tracy Record
Photos/video by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

One of the students who organized this afternoon’s massive protest in the West Seattle Junction told the crowd they weren’t sure anyone would show up.

Someone did. Four digits worth of someones.

(Aerial photo courtesy Paul Weatherman)
And they showed up early. Groups marched from Admiral and Morgan Junction, and by the time they arrived, a crowd was already filling Walk-All-Ways at California/Alaska, chanting and cheering. A cheer went up as the Admiral marchers arrived, hundreds strong:

Though there were speakers and even live music – with the roof of Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan‘s iconic black van turned into a stage – some of the most powerful moments were in the early going, as the crowd chanted – and filled the street with their prone bodies.

The most powerful speaker was the youngest – Louisa Boren STEM K-8 student Erica – with an impassioned poetry reading:

Earlier, the first speaker was entrepreneur Donald Watts, who spoke of family members – including his dad, Seattle SuperSonics legend Slick Watts, and his grandma in Mississippi, who he said would not believe today’s amazing turnout, so he took a photo to show her. He said it’s time for change, and he vowed that he would too, saying he had failed to speak out in the past when he was a target of racism, but would never let it go unchallenged again. “Figure out where your role is, to make a difference, put it in your heart, put it in action.”

Rain fell as Watts spoke; then the sun returned as he concluded, and the weather remained favorable for the rest of the event. Other speakers included Chris Porter, a longtime local activist and health-care professional. His theme: “Enough is enough,” as he called out a list of inequities.

He said he wants a world where “when my son leaves the house, I don’t have to hold my breath.” But, to remind everyone of what happened as George Floyd died in Minneapolis less than 2 weeks ago, he asked protesters to be silent and try holding their breath for 2 minutes – just a quarter of the time Mr. Floyd spent held down by a police officer. After half a minute or so, from scattered pockets of the crowd, people called out: “I can’t breathe … I can’t breathe.”

Another speaker drew some chants of dissent from around the crowd – King County Executive Dow Constantine, the only elected official to take the mic:

Another rebuke to the system: A short time later, as Ayron Jones played the Star-Spangled Banner on his guitar, the thousand-plus protesters dropped to their knees:

Before long, after more than two hours had elapsed since the early start, the protest ended – still peaceful, no confrontations (police were present at the perimeters, mostly to keep traffic away from the people-filled streets), as had been the case with the half-dozen smaller West Seattle demonstrations we have covered this past week.

So – what now?

Everyone will have to answer that in their own way, to back up their words with deeds. As for protests – so far we’ve heard of one more in West Seattle, a student-organized protest at WSHS at noon Monday.

]]>https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/photos-video-west-seattle-junction-fills-with-sea-of-protesters-affirming-black-lives-matter/feed/0WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Food truck break-inhttps://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-crime-watch-food-truck-break-in/
https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-crime-watch-food-truck-break-in/#commentsSun, 07 Jun 2020 03:18:47 +0000https://westseattleblog.com/?p=980193Thanks for the tips/photos. The El Camion food truck has been missing from its longtime spot in Fauntleroy for two nights, with this sign left in its place:

So many sentiments – from demands, declarations, and denunciations, to lamentations and affirmations – filled the hundreds of handmade signs waved at today’s huge protest in The Junction. Here’s a sample.

The next four photos were sent by Holli Margell:

The next two were sent by Vy Duong and Evan Hilgenberg:

Our detailed report on the full event, with video, is still in the works.

That’s one of two crashes this past half-hour on 35th SW – no major injuries reported in either. This one’s at 35th/Thistle, with a driver going up onto the sidewalk and damaging the pole on the northwest corner. A few blocks north, a 3-car collision at 35th/Holden was being addressed by police on the west (southbound) side of the street.

]]>https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/traffic-alert-two-crashes-on-35th-sw/feed/6UPDATE: Huge protest in The Junction, report #1https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/happening-now-protest-marches-headed-for-the-junction/
https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/happening-now-protest-marches-headed-for-the-junction/#commentsSat, 06 Jun 2020 19:58:30 +0000https://westseattleblog.com/?p=98014712:58 PM: As previewed earlier, two groups of marchers are headed along California SW to join the 2 pm protest in The Junction – one from Morgan (more than 100 in our estimation) and one from Admiral.

1:30 PM: After the arrival of Admiral marchers, the streets are full. (Added – aerial view from Paul Weatherman:)

1:54 PM: It’s raining. The crowd is listening to Donald Watts speak:

2:11 PM:Chris Porter speaks now. He leads the crowd in an attempt to hold their breath for 2 minutes. “Enough is enough” is his theme.

2:44 PM: The streets are still full. Students have spoken. So has King County Executive Dow Constantine, saying he’s never seen anything like this.

2:51 PM: Speakers are done; now musician Ayron Jones is performing.

The crowd has shrunk a bit around the edges but is still filling the heart of The Junction. Totally peaceful, by the way. (Added, another side note: The “stage” is Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan‘s iconic van.)

3:01 PM: The crowd knelt as Jones played the anthem:

3:22 PM: Finally able to add a few visuals here, pending full coverage later. Protest just wrapping up. It’ll take a while for the street to clear,though. One final view – as we arrived, Desmond Hansen was painting this by Jefferson Square:

Sia Puloka worked for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, in front desk reception, where she was described as the office’s “ambassador of loving kindness.”

Chief deputy prosecutor Daniel Clark described her work in a farewell memo: “Sia’s service to the PAO has been extraordinary. She was hired in the Civil Division in 1996 and transferred to the front desk reception in the Criminal Division in 2006. Many people have done that job – with competence and grace. It is not easy. So many challenging people show up and the volume of work can be overwhelming. Sia took that front-line role and transformed it. She gave comfort to those who visited, strength and caring to her colleagues, and in every way made our office a more compassionate, loving place. And, after work she walked across the street and offered counseling and healing to the inmates in the King County Jail.”

About 30 cars were part of today’s parade past the church (46th/Graham). One of the gifts for her: A file box full of chocolate kisses, as co-workers expressed regret they weren’t able to offer real kisses and hugs in farewell.

She told her former co-workers that the office was like a family to her.

The memo announcing her retirement said that feeling was mutual: “Sia asked about your family members, held both of your hands to wish you well, and gave a hearty ‘RIGHT ON!’ to people passing by.” She got one of those in return today:

Also presented: Flowers and cards. Church members and relatives served her coffee and donuts, too. The farewell memo concluded, “She is a beautiful soul and presence that is going to be deeply missed.”

P.S. One more tribute to Rev. Puloka – an online donation drive to Food Lifeline, in her honor. Anybody can donate – go here.

That was the major theme as the West Seattle Transportation Coalition met by teleconference and phone last week, with guests speaking on behalf of the two waterborne transportation systems that already serve West Seattle.

You can watch the archived video of the meeting here; below, our report:

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Government-relations director John Vezina and communicator Hadley Rodero were the guests. They addressed some points that have come up repeatedly in West Seattle Bridge-related discussion:

*Does/did traffic from ferries help clog the bridge? This slide addressed that:

A 2013 “origin/destination” study of the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route showed 60 percent of travelers were NOT going to downtown Seattle or points north – so were less likely to have been using the high bridge. (WSF does these studies every 7 years so they’re due for another one.)

Pretty much, no, as explained by those two slides. Major reasons: The downtown dock and the fleet itself are both stressed in a big way already.

The WSF guests then moved on to other topics of West Seattle interest – like the Fauntleroy dock replacement that’s supposed to happen later this decade. The current dock, built in 1957, holds 80 cars. That would more than double if the new dock were built to what WSF says are current standards, big enough to hold a boat and a half worth of vehicles (this route is served by 124-car vessels), but they know the Fauntleroy community is opposed to that. (In response to a later question, he reiterated that a seismically safe, higher dock must be built. As for the timeline – if not for the COVID-19 changes, community outreach to start the discussion would be starting now.)

And they reminded WSTC that the ferry system is currently in “the new normal” because of COVID-19; the winter sailing schedule was extended (indefinitely, as announced days after the WSTC meeting), and they’re running fewer boats – two instead of three on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth, for example, and lower usage means a looming budget crisis. “We’re not exactly sure what ridership is going to look like coming out of this.”

Speaking of future uncertainty, while WSF had been working on a long-range plan, “none of this is probably relevant any more.”

In Q&A, they were asked if passenger-ferry service from Fauntleroy is possible. WSF itself cannot provide it – years ago, the state Legislature ordered it to get out of the foot-ferry business. But if they can offer the dock for another service/agency’s use, they’ll work with whomever, as they plan to as Kitsap Transit expands its foot-ferry service.

With the West Seattle Bridge closed, is WSF encouraging Kitsap passengers to try alternatives such as driving south and using the Tacoma Narrows Bridge? Vezina’s reply boiled down to “no” – WSF is part of the state highway system and people are free to make their own decisions. But WSF has been taking steps to be sure they’re aware of the bridge closure, he added.

Then the discussion moved to the Water Taxi, with Chris Arkills from Metro/King County, a West Seattleite who is often at WSTC meetings. He said an “intergovernmental team” was formed “the day after the bridge closed,” and that half its members are West Seattleites. Though it’s continuing to run on an extremely limited schedule right now, the Water Taxi is prepared to ramp up quickly as demand grows, Arkills said. The first step would be to return to the regular 5-day-a-week winter schedule. “We think we can ramp up very quickly when we get the word to do that … we don’t have a date yet but once we get the clearance, we can implement it very quickly.”

Once that happens, the next step would be to go to the 7-day-a-week summer schedule, which would have taken effect in late March if not for the virus crisis.

Beyond that, to handle even more demand, Arkills said the county is having conversations with private companies that might be able to provide more boats, and looking at where dock space might be available. Downtown, for example, there’s the Argosy dock (which the Water Taxi used years ago) and Victoria Clipper dock.

Seacrest, where the WT docks on this side, would probably max out at three departures per hour, Arkills surmised. “Beyond that, we have to look at adding some dock capacity on the West Seattle side” – there’s nothing suitable right now. The county is talking with the Port of Seattle, among others, about those prospects. The Fauntleroy state-ferry dock would be more complicated than it sounds, he added – regulations, community involvement, other potential red tape.

What about a park-and-ride? Arkills said that’s part of the “viaduct playbook” under consideration, recapping steps taken during the viaduct-to-tunnel transition such as leasing port property for a park-and-ride lot.

He fielded a few Metro questions, too – will buses return to Admiral and Arbor Heights service, for example? Working on that. Special direct runs like West Seattle to UW? That sort of special service tends to be expensive and difficult to operate, Arkills said. How about, as often suggested, a connector service around the peninsula? Again, he said, they’re “looking at” many things, but constrained by looming budget woes. A shuttle to the SODO light-rail station? Taking the C Line or Route 120 downtown to board light rail there is more practical, he said – easier to get a seat from those stations. How about a “reverse park and ride” where you’d leave your car on the east side of the Duwamish? That’s been suggested too.

So for now, no revelations, just assurances that much is being pondered.

Also discussed at the WSTC meeting:

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE: WSTC board member Deb Barker said she’s excited to take on the role, as the group gets ready for its first meeting (now set for next Wednesday, June 10th). While the group’s full scope of responsibilities hadn’t yet been communicated, she expected it to have some decisions to make in relatively short order. She also said she had a goal, to see the bridge closure declared an emergency. (We inquired with the mayor’s office to see if she was considering that – but before they got a response back to us, the mayor was caught up in a new emergency.) There was also some discussion of who’s not represented, or is underrepresented, on the task force, such as transportation-alternative advocates. The city had said it was expecting to add a few more members of the group, but no additions have been announced yet.

JUNCTION PROTEST, AND 2 WAYS TO MARCH TO IT: One group is gathering by Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) at 12:30 pm to walk/march to the 2 pm protest, and another group is gathering at Anytime Fitness (California & College) at 12:30 pm to do the same thing. Or, you can go directly to California/Alaska to participate at 2 pm. The Junction protest is organized by local students:

All organizers remind those who choose to participate – wear your face covering and bring your hand sanitizer! Any other events today or beyond (our ongoing list also has a Monday protest), please let us know!

]]>https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/happening-today-bike-ride-marches-protest-as-west-seattle-fights-for-justice-against-racism/feed/28CORONAVIRUS: Friday 6/5 rounduphttps://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/coronavirus-friday-6-5-roundup/
https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/coronavirus-friday-6-5-roundup/#commentsSat, 06 Jun 2020 05:08:32 +0000https://westseattleblog.com/?p=980109Some local businesses are reopening for in-person customer service, and that’s the big news as we start this roundup, exactly 14 weeks after news of King County’s first confirmed COVID-19 case:

‘MODIFIED PHASE 1’ BEGINS: At midmorning, King County announced the news that so many businesses – and customers – had been waiting to hear: The state had approved the application to move to “modified Phase 1,” just two days after it was filed. The changes took effect immediately, so businesses have been busy announcing they’re open – or deciding on their next step.

Until there is an efective vaccine, efective treatment or herd immunity, it is crucial to maintain some level of community interventions to suppress the spread of COVID-19 throughout all phases of recovery. This includes heightened protections for the health and safety of workers in essential sectors, people living and working in high-risk facilities (e.g., senior care facilities) and all other workers.

All Washingtonians have a responsibility to protect themselves and others. Each phase, while allowing for additional services to open and return to full capacity, is grounded in the following required basic practices:

Guidance for Individuals
All phases – Individuals should continue to:
• Engage in physical distancing, staying at least six feet away from other people
• Wear cloth face coverings in public places when not eating or drinking (cloth face coverings should not
be placed on children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious,
incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance)
• Stay home if sick
• Avoid others who are sick
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available)
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly

VIRTUAL ART SHOW: Art has helped many people cope with the uncertainty of the past few months – murals, windows, sidewalk chalk. Seattle Public Schools‘ annual Naramore art show had to be held virtually this year because of the virus crisis – you can see all the students’ work, and watch a video version, by going here.

Now that retailers have the go-ahead to let some customers shop in person, you’re invited to the expanded space of Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop (6400 California SW) starting tomorrow (Saturday, June 6th). You might recall that TRG proprietor Frank Grossbought the building last year and planned to eventually expand into the entire space; now that work is done. This video made for TRG and TBS by Ryan Cory gives you a closer look:

More room to shop means more room to shop safely as they reopen – Frank says they’re excited for you to come see the shop! But wear your face covering -he’s all set with his:

Hours are 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.

P.S. The Wash Dog, previous tenant on the north side of the building, is now at 10623 16th SW in White Center.

]]>https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/reopening-saturday-thunder-road-guitars-and-the-bass-shop-expanded/feed/1PROTESTS: Along West Seattle intersections this afternoon, and reminders about tomorrowhttps://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/protests-along-west-seattle-intersections-this-afternoon-and-reminders-about-tomorrow/
https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/protests-along-west-seattle-intersections-this-afternoon-and-reminders-about-tomorrow/#commentsSat, 06 Jun 2020 02:09:41 +0000https://westseattleblog.com/?p=980081More peaceful West Seattle protests this afternoon along local streets – first, near Highland Park Improvement Club at 12th/Holden:

(First 5 photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

Not far away, Hate-Free Delridge was also back a 16th/Holden for the second time in three days. And at 8th/Roxbury:

Many honks of support, but our photographer saw one driver yelling that the protestters should “go home.” Brandon said something similar happened at a gathering in Upper Fauntleroy:

SATURDAY: We’re continuing to update this list. There’s now a noon bicycle ride from Alki, and two separate marches from north and south at ~12:30 pm to join the 2 pm Junction protest. Anything else this weekend or beyond? Please let us know – thank you!

]]>https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/protests-along-west-seattle-intersections-this-afternoon-and-reminders-about-tomorrow/feed/2WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: Reopening begins (beverage businesses too!)https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-restaurants-reopening-begins/
https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-restaurants-reopening-begins/#commentsSat, 06 Jun 2020 00:41:36 +0000https://westseattleblog.com/?p=980064As reported here this morning, King County is now in “modified Phase 1” and that means some businesses can reopen if they choose to – including restaurants, who can have some indoor and outdoor table service. Here’s who we’ve heard from/about so far:

OUNCES: “We’ve reopened our outdoor. We are following phase 1.5 guidelines from the state: no indoor seating, operating at 50% outdoor capacity, wearing a mask requested when inside the taproom, seating is spaced 6ft apart, no more than 5 people per table…etc. We are also asking customers to practice social distancing and help us by sanitizing their space before and after use (spray bottle supplied). We will continue our pickup and delivery options, expanded hours, and our food truck schedule can be found on our website www.ounceswestseattle.com.” (3809 Delridge Way SW)

MIOPOSTO: Planning to open Wednesday (6/10), with this brand-new patio as well as indoor dining:

UPTOWN ESPRESSO: Both West Seattle locations (California/Edmunds, Delridge/Andover) reopened today, “for indoor seating at 25% and outdoor seating at 50%. Indoor seating will have an hour limit and 5 people MAX per table.”

CHACO CANYON CAFE: Open, 10 am-5 pm daily. (37th/Alaska)

LOCOL BARLEY AND VINE: Now “open 7 days a week from 4-8 now. Our patio is open, dine-in seating is available, and we still offer everything to go as well.” (35th/Kenyon)

]]>https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-restaurants-reopening-begins/feed/24WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Subaru Legacyhttps://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-crime-watch-stolen-red-subaru-legacy/
https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-crime-watch-stolen-red-subaru-legacy/#commentsFri, 05 Jun 2020 23:53:31 +0000https://westseattleblog.com/?p=980060From Rebecca in Gatewood: “Early this morning, a red 1995 Subaru Legacy wagon with roof rack, license plate number BFP-5944, was stolen. Parked on street in front of residence. No broken glass, so most likely a shaved key was used. Car owner had a club on the steering wheel but that did not deter thieves. This theft has been reported to the police. If you see it please contact the police – Case #20-181934.” (Call 911 if you see this or any other known stolen car.)